The group passed through the city with due haste. The moment Azure made herself known at the gate would be the moment the spies would alert her Mom and Dad of her arrival, thus they had mere hours to get to the palace.
First, it was decided they would ship the Golden Rose mercenaries to the dungeons where they would wait for further judgment, then the group would make their way toward the palace and meet with the royal couple and their advisors.
While Aqua was not nervous about meeting rulers of such a primitive nation, it did not mean that she fancied talking with someone who was more than likely stuck-up and arrogant. However, as she turned her head to Sheira, she couldn't have imagined her parents to be arrogant assholes as she had learned to expect.
Someone like her could never be brought up by incompetent and arrogant people. She crossed her arms as she stared at Sheira and Azure, who were engaged in a conversation.
The girl was selfless and kind, despite acting rather strangely. Aqua had not witnessed such innocence in so long. How would she expect to find innocence in a world ruled by tyranny and force?
Then there was Azure, who was equally as selfless, yet she was supposed to be a hardened warrior.
Azure…
She needed more training; she would be killed due to her inexperience. If what Aqua saw with the bandits was the average of the elven society, then it made sense why Azure seemed to be far weaker than what her potential suggested.
She smiled wryly as she muttered under her breath, "If one trains with ants their entire life, they can never face a man." Azure and Sheira's ears perked up as they noticed her mutterings.
"Aqua, is something the matter?"
"Not at all." She shook her head.
Azure tilted her head, "I am sorry for not giving you more attention… It's just that I am quite nervous right now."
Sheira tilted her head and looked at Azure as if she had just said something outrageous. Aqua brought her hand in front of her mouth as she held back her laughter. Honestly… that cracked me up.
Aqua let out a soft chuckle as she moved her hand back onto her thighs. "It's ok, Azure, you can give me more attention when we deal with the royals."
"And by deal, you don't mean 'DEAL' right?" Sheira interjected.
"Of course." Aqua pinched the bridge of her nose. "I am really starting to believe that you believe I would kill your parents."
Sheira quickly put her hands in front of her and shook her head, "No, I mean you won't threaten or something of that nature either?"
"I won't, I promised."
"Girl…" The Sun God Crackled, "Aqua has a lot more self-control than you think… You need not worry."
"Thanks, Mr. Bird. I know it's just a slight worry that keeps coming back despite me dispelling it." Sheira slumped down on her seat as she placed her hands between her legs.
After a moment of silence that reigned between them, Sheira raised her head, "I think we are close to the jail. Azure and I will go and surrender Golden Roses to the authorities, then we head out to the palace!"
Aqua nodded as she flicked her wrist. Instantly, the horses stopped. Soon, the duo jumped out and guided the golden roses. While they were powerful enough to resist, especially with more and more awakening, they dared not face the dread that the Sun God had instilled into their very hearts.
They obediently disappeared into a large stone building. Aqua smiled as she jumped past Sun God and out of the carriage. She had no opportunity to truly look over the city, and what better opportunity than being alone?
The Sun God appeared on her shoulder. "They are rather pathetic. I don't see a reason to feel pride about this city at all." The Sun God's voice crackled with flame.
"Don't be like that." She tapped his blazing beak, "This is impressive for them, don't need to bring our own understanding and force it upon them. Older civilizations of our world were once at the same stage as these elves are right now."
"I guess you are right…" Aqua could swear that she heard an exhale, yet she knew Sun God could not do such an act.
Her gaze panned over the city. It was a bustling metropolis with many elves going about their day, and it filled her with warmth. They were living their lives, despite the danger that was so close to their borders.
Perhaps close to my standards… it is a multiday journey for their carriages.
It was another point she disliked about the elves of this world. They were far too carefree. If someone wished to exterminate them, they could. She interlocked her fingers and stretched.
She let out a soft moan as she inspected the buildings that surrounded her. The convoy stopped near the center of the capital. Much like other parts, it was constructed from cut stones. When compared to Kam, it was much more impressive, yet the buildings only stretched to two stories instead of sprawling spires that threatened to pierce the skies.
Not only were those engineering marvels missing, but so were the floating fortresses. However, the fortresses were truly unnecessary and overly extravagant. She personally carried a cutting-edge fortress in her dimension, yet it was not overly practical as a weapon.
Perhaps as a base. Ever since she had obtained the mystic idol that contained it, she had never found a reason to use it. The main advantage of using it would be having a home base that was both mobile and high enough in the sky to avoid even the most persistent flyers.
She shook her head. I really need to stop comparing them! They aren't the same civilization!
Aqua slapped her cheeks as she turned to the side. She truly enjoyed watching the people go about in the busy street; it filled her with pride, yet it was fragile. One wrong event could shatter the image of peace.
She raised her chin up as she stared toward the sky. The bustle of the city was a nice change of pace; however, she would soon head toward the palace. From the corner of her eye, she noticed two girls approaching her.
Sheira waved to her, "All done! Let's head to the palace! We are mere minutes away! "
Aqua nodded as she waited for the crowd to disperse before she placed the empty carriages in her pocket space. Sheira, Azure, and Aqua embarked on their carriage and headed toward the palace.
It took a very short amount of time before they approached the gate; however, this time, they were instantly let through.
"I guess they already know we are coming…" Sheira chuckled nervously as she rubbed the back of her head.
"It will all be fine, Sheira!" Azure wrapped her arm around her shoulder and used the other to pat her head. Azure's hand moved through Sheira's dark hair gently.
Aqua stared at the scene with curiosity. "You two are adorable."
Aqua's lips formed a thin line as she stood up and approached the back of the carriage. They passed the heavily defended gate and finally found themselves surrounded by a beautiful green estate.
Many exotic plants and ornaments surrounded them, which gave a sense of opulence to the entire palace. Aqua nodded, she had recognized some of these scenaries from Sheira's mind, yet they were slightly different.
It made sense to her; the mindscape contained the scenery of how the owner of said mindscape perceives the memory. They followed the stone path toward a large fountain that blocked the view of the palace.
A heavily armored soldier approached the carriage before he bowed, "Lady Azure, Lady Sheira. We have been notified of your arrival. Please follow me, the King and the Queen are waiting."
Azure frowned as the guard completely ignored Aqua, yet when she looked back at her, she seemed not to care. She exhaled. I guess that comes with the territory of being a mere attendant.
They were led through the familiar palace toward the throne room. Aqua placed her hands in a V shape as a gesture of respect as she quietly followed after both Sheira and Azure.
The massive double doors opened to reveal a spacious throne room. Unlike the throne room that was whitened out in Sheira's mind, here it showed a full spectrum of color and vibrancy. A large red carpet stretched up to a pair of thrones.
The thrones were made of marble, and on top of them sat two elves.
One elf was male, and he wore a ruby crown and held a golden sceptre. His hair was short and white, and his face wore an expression of exhaustion. He leaned onto his armrest as he stared at the approaching guests.
While on the other throne sat a beautiful woman with red eyes and long flowing white hair; she wore an elaborate blue dress, and on top of her head was a crown made of sapphire. On her face, she wore an expression of annoyance and slight anger, which seemed to flare when she laid her eyes on Azure.
Azure gulped, yet she held onto her will.
The trio approached the throne before a voice came from the side, "Kneel before the Monarchs of our proud nation!"
Aqua inhaled deeply, I promised Sheira…
As the trio kneeled, the king raised his hand. "Silence! I will now proceed with questioning!"